For Immediate release

(RALEIGH, NC February 17, 2010)
Dr. Alan Keyes speaks this week about changing the perception of abortion in America

"Prominent media personality and former Presidential candidate Dr. Alan Keyes will speak in Raleigh this week about changing the perception of abortion in America.

Keyes will be the main speaker at an awareness and support rally for The Life Care Pregnancy Center February 19 from 7:30pm – 9:00pm at Crossroads Fellowship Church in Raleigh."

“The courts have ruled that abortion is “legal”. Their ruling encourages women to believe that they are free to choose abortion” Keyes said in a statement issued for release today. “Because of their ruling women are confronted with a tragic and necessarily negative choice. They don’t want an abortion nor do they want to give birth and raise a child absent the love and support they believe is missing in their situation. Life Care’s role is to provide these women the ability to make a more informed and broader choice.”

Keyes added: “We need to remind people that there are alternatives to abortion. With enough information and support we can reform the public perception of choice. Choice cannot be synonymous with abortion. It ought to be synonymous with decent responsibility toward each other and to God. We help people choose well.”

Keyes’ speech comes amidst the recent maelstrom of political debate happening all over the country surrounding the status of abortion in healthcare. Recent events suggest the public perception may already be changing.

Last week, Wake County announced it would end a decade-long practice of covering elective abortions for government employees – citing a 29-year old NC Supreme Court ruling that makes it illegal. Under the ruling, North Carolina tax dollars can only be used to cover abortions in the cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the pregnant woman is in danger.

In November 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a healthcare reform bill that would prohibit federal funding of abortion under any government-run insurance plan as well as private policies available in the Exchange to people receiving federal subsidies.

The Senate version of the bill, which passed a month later, would allow each state to choose whether or not to allow private policies that cover abortion into their exchanges.


Keyes says, “The fight to change how Americans think about abortion has intensified. We need to gather even more support to continue the pro life movement’s undeniable impact.”

Keyes has a long career of government service and political activism. He ran for President of the United States in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2008 and was Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in 1988, 1992, and 2004. Keyes was appointed as ambassador to the United Nations by President Reagan in 1983, and has served on the National Security Council Staff as well as the American Delegation in India as well as on the State Department Desk for Zimbabwe.

The LifeCare organization in Raleigh, NC asked Keyes to speak at Friday’s Rally event because of his outspoken support of the alternatives to abortion.

“The Courts allows abortion, but many women make a choice because they feel they really don’t have one. Their situation makes the prospect of giving birth too insurmountable. We are here to help her, her partner, and family evaluate her options based on information, love, and support all in an atmosphere without judgment. A place where she can choose well,” said LifeCare representative Mary Amundsen. “We respect the right to choose, and want to help people make that choice an informed one.”

According to their mission statement, LifeCare helps people make good choices about pregnancy, sex and life by providing a safe place where they can get information and support in a nonjudgmental environment.

They also offer free pregnancy tests, STD screenings and ultrasounds as well as free life skills classes and material support for anyone affected by a crisis following sex.

“We’re excited to hear Dr. Keyes speak at the (Rally),” said LifeCare spokesperson Mary Amundsen “Given all the talk of abortion in the news recently, the timing couldn’t be better. We’re hoping for a great turnout to help raise awareness and support for the cause.”

The awareness and support Rally event commemorates LifeCare’s 25th anniversary. It is being held at the Crossroads Fellowship Church on 2721 Millbrook Rd this Friday from 7:30pm – 9:00pm. Free childcare is offered for children under 5. Dessert and coffee is provided to all. For more information visit www.LifeCareNC.com.

PUBLIC EVENT: February 19th – 7:30pm-9pm
WHERE: Crossroads Fellowship Church, 2721 Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604
PRESS CONTACT: To arrange pre-event interviews with speaker, please contact: Jenny Martin, 919-621-1619, jennym@thestoneagency.com
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